Welcome to The Haven
A place to breathe
We are a new community-led project in Nettlestone on the Isle of Wight creating space for young people and the wider community to spend time outdoors, slow down and reconnect with nature.
For over 80 years, generations of children travelled from Buckinghamshire to camp here, exploring the outdoors and building lasting memories.
Today, local people are working together to give this land a new future - one that welcomes young people, families and the wider community to experience the benefits of time spent outdoors.
Pictures from the past - Bucks School Camp field
The Vision
A space to slow down
In an increasingly fast and digital world, The Haven will offer something simple but increasingly rare - a place to pause.
Our aim is to create a welcoming outdoor space where people can:
The Haven will be a device-free physical space, encouraging visitors to step away from screens and reconnect with the natural world around them.
Pictures from the past - Bucks School Camp Field.
The Field
A place with a long history
The Haven sits on a 6.5-acre field on the edge of Nettlestone, with footpath access to the nearby coastline and located on a local bus route. The site is connected to mains electricity, gas, water and drainage, providing a strong foundation for its future use.
Several buildings remain on the land from its years as a school campsite. Many are now in poor condition and will need repair or replacement as the project develops.
Over the past three years, local people have worked with the Charity Commission and the Buckinghamshire School Camp Association to ensure the long-term future of the site. The land is now being transferred to The Haven, a new Charitable Incorporated Organisation created to continue its legacy and open it up to a wider community.
The Wildlife Trust has surveyed the land, local lawyers have supported the transfer process, and many volunteers and neighbours are ready to help bring this place back to life.
Get Involved
Be a part of the journey
We are at the beginning of an exciting new chapter for The Haven, and there are many ways to get involved.
The Haven is very much shaped by the community. We'd love to work with local residents, young people, youth organisations, schools and community groups as well as other land-based initiatives on the Island.
By listening, collaborating and sharing ideas, we hope to shape a space that truly benefits the community.
Donate
Help us restore and develop the site so it can continue to inspire future generations. As a registered charity, donations may be eligible for Gift Aid.
Volunteer
Do you have time, skills or expertise you would like to share? We would love to hear from you.
Stay Updated
Join our mailing list to hear about upcoming events, community consultations and project updates.
The Trustees
Meet our team
The Haven is guided by a group of local trustees who have worked together to secure the transfer of the field into the care of the new charity. Their aim is to ensure the land can continue to benefit the community and to welcome others who would like to help shape its future.
